Monday, December 30, 2013

I wanted to write about everything I did in Montreal last week for the holidays but really, I just want to show you everything I put in my mouth and into my tummy. I guess all I did in Montreal was eat! There could be more pictures with this post except I was trying this new thing where I would NOT be taking pictures of food anymore. Because of that, I am missing pictures of some meals which is cool until I decided that I wanted to write about it. When we started going to these fantastic restaurants, I just couldn't put my phone away. So brace yourselves, here are all the food pictures I did end up taking which you may have seen on my instagram if you follow me!

Godamn there are some really excellent restaurants in Montreal! I already knew that...

Thursday, December 26, 2013

I am in Montreal right now for the holidays. I'm staying for about 6 days which is the longest I have ever stayed since moving away in 2008. I have been back numerous times but usually for a long weekend or so.

So I have been back now for 3 days and enjoying eating, sleeping in, eating and watching tons of movies on demand on TV! It's great. I'm feeling nice and relaxed. I already met up with a couple of old friends however, since everyone's busy during the holidays, it hasn't been easy meeting up. It doesn't help that I don't have a car neither and it is below freezing outside.

At home, I have my sister's pets to keep me company. My favorite is still the white cat but the little doggie has been following me everywhere as well as keeping me company at night.

As always, being back in Montreal is always a good reminder how decrepid my french has become. I should stick with English but it would be so sad to lose my second language...

Friday, December 20, 2013

I purchased my very first leather jacket at one of the very first sample sales I have ever attended here in New York. When I heard about the Mackage sample sale I thought, what the heck? When I lived in Montreal (That's where Mackage was born), there were no such things as a Mackage sample sale. What we had was the annual 'La Braderie de mode québécoise' where, when I first attended, had about 3-4 racks of sample Mackage coats. The merchandise has since increased ten folds and occupies a whole floor!

I have attended three Mackage sample sales so far. At the first sale, I purchased this leather jacket. The second time, I bought these. At the latest one, I can see that the stock has more than quadrupled in size. I didn't buy anything. Sure, there was a lot stuff and variety but I personally feel the quality has been compromised however, you can still find some gems amongst the stock.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Our friend helped us get $10 tickets to see the Brooklyn Nets vs Philadelphia 76ers at Barclay's center this past Monday. While in line to get into the stadium, a lady behind us handed us some suite tickets! Of course we were excited but we were going to meet up with 4 other folks and didn't want to leave them. We went to take a peek anyway during the second quarter to see if there was any free food (there wasn't).

This is our $10 view with our friends...

This is the suite view for...free!

Even with the better view, we went back to hang with our friends on the upper levels because it's just way more fun with friends!

And the Nets won 130 to 94! We missed about 50 points whilst looking for food.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

I went to two holiday parties two days in a row. They were both potlucks. I made mac and cheese to to both parties. I also had it for lunch yesterday. So, for three days, I had mac and cheese and didn't feel guilty about it at all! My extra ingredients this time (compared to the last time) are rosemary and pancetta bits.

If you already follow me on instagram, you have probably seen the pictures. This orange wooze is from my second batch for the second party.I made everything creamier and cheesier than the first one. One bite is so filling. Of course it was so greasy and that's why it tasted so good...well, in my opinion.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Hiii I have been missing in action for some time. I don't know why but I have been doing things here and there but not really getting anywhere. These past Sunday and Monday, I checked out two sample sales and purchased absolutely nada. Not because I didn't see anything nice but the Christmas holidays has had me dig deeper in my pockets this year. I've been spending a lot more than I have been saving. There are holiday parties to attend, sample sale splurges, secret Santa gifts which I spent beyond the limit and money spent on random gift giving which I rarely ever do! I rarely give because I don't like to feel obliged to give something during the holidays but rather gift whenever it feels right.

I am definitely looking for cozy cashmere sweaters and was hoping to find some at these sales. Here is my review for the Jason Wu sample sale and my review for the Joie/Equipment/Current Elliott.

Jason Wu sample sale

Joie, Current/Elliott and Equipment sample sale

After both sales, I picked up a latte at Eataly. It's sooo smooth and perfect. On Sunday, I accidentally left my latte by the cashier at a store in Soho (REI). I realized I forgot it when I was half way down the subway steps and empty-handed. I quickly ran back to to the store since I still had half a cup left and it costed me almost $4. When I got to the cashier, I see a couple frantically trying to get something off the guy's jacket. I realize that it was my coffee that spilled all over him. I asked what happened (although I knew exactly what happened) and I think I whispered so softly that the coffee belonged to me but I quickly left since they looked like they had everything under control and ...pissed. I was pissed too. I spent $3.81 on that latte and was savoring every sip of it but lost it because a bozo didn't see it in front of him.

To cure my chapping face, I am trying this large pot of gold. The intense moisturizing cream. I have been using the luxury size samples from La Mer for a couple of weeks now, day and night and it has really helped with my dry skin. So, I decided to take the plunge, with the help of some employee discounts of course. Even with the employee discount, it wasn't affordable so my concern is that if my face gets used to this pricy concoction, can I sustain this type of luxury? Will my $5 pot of Nivea still satisfy me? Probably! However, for me, I like to try everything at least once and then never wonder about it ever again. The soft cream (top one in phooto) can probably be used in the Summer when my face is oily as butter.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

"Push the limits of the peculiar- join Hendrick's for an evening of inspiring swills, curious characters and unusual enjoyments all around as we set sail for Voyages Into the Unusual in New York City! With a cast of characters including Shoppe owner and assistant who will demystify the eleven bonaticals found within each Hendrick's bottle. Hendrick's Voyages Into the Unusual is sure to delight and excite the Unusualist among us. Naturally, an array of toothsome cocktails will be available and music provided by the oddly eclectic White Ghost Shivers."

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

I checked out the Alice and Olivia sample sale. I was good and didn't pick up anything this time. I did saw a couple of pieces I would have loved to wear for holiday parties except I still have a few dresses at home that needs more attention. Here's my review about the sale on Racked.

Lauren Moffatt sample sale

I also passed by the Lauren Moffatt sample sale earlier on the week. The prices were a bit high so I didn't pick up anything neither. I liked this silky white v-neck dresses very much but decided it is not a good time to buy a summer dress in the midst of winter. Here's my review on Racked.

Do you like to be reminded on how long you and your significant other have been together for?
Also, once you're married, do you still celebrate THAT anniversary or the new "day-we-got-married" wedding anniversary? Or both? Interesting... I get all types of answers. I almost forgot about THAT anniversary (we have been together for 4 years and married for 4 months!) but I have a good husband who reminded me when he told me that he made restaurant reservations for the occasion. If eating is in the plans, I would love to celebrate all our anniversaries please!

We enjoyed a delicious meal at french fare Balthazar. A classic New York restaurant opened back in 1997 in the heart of Soho. Dave made the reservation one month in advance to make sure we got a seat or else it's usually a long wait for walk-ins.

Thank you babe for always feeding me the good stuff!

Everything was yum especially the escargots which I never had coming directly out of the shell! It should always be served like this to preserve the tenderness and juiciness! The tartare was good and Dave's homemade fries were also good. I was sad we didn't leave any room for dessert because I would have really liked to try the lemon mille-feuille or the crème brulée! Oh well...next time right honey? *wink wink*

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Today's Rodarte sample sale at the Ace hotel was scarcely stocked but a shoppers were still content with some of the bargains. There were two racks of clothes at the sale where one of them consisted of collabs (Rodarte for Target, for Gap and Opening Ceremony) and all going for $10. Some items such as bathing suits and camis were let go for $5 and were quickly taken up. The first 5 shoppers probably swept half of the rack away. The bargains were also Rodarte X Opening Ceremony shoes from previous sales going for $10 (only size 7).

The second rack had samples and collection pieces and prices ranged from $40-$2000. I found sample skirts and tops in size 0-2 for $40 and sample dresses for $100. I also spotted some runway pieces such as this Fall/Winter '13 dress and this one, this runway SS13 silk top ($600) and this sweater ($1000?). There were also some studded leather jackets for $2,000 (retail $4,385) or leather jackets with denim for $1,700.

Runway wool sweaters were going for $500-$1200 by the cashier which no one really looked at. In front of the cashier desk, abundant selection of sweatshirts, hoodies ($80) and tees ($60) for Opening Ceremony were found in 4 different boxes separated by sizes (XS-XL).

Thursday, December 5, 2013

I have been MIA and I am back with some updates! Here's what we have been up to...

+ We went to our first holiday market hosted by Renegade Craft fair at One Hanson Place in Brooklyn. I absolutely love this building and we love holiday markets/fairs although we rarely end up buying anything! Meeting artists and designers and seeing some really unique gifts is pretty refreshing although some things can be repetitive, there's always a standout. I did have my eye on a baby alpaca blanket but Dave told me dishing out $200 is not fiscally responsible. Maybe he should attend all the samples sales with me so I can be more fiscally responsible.

One Hanson Place

+Holiday parties are upon us and it started with a farewell party for a colleague which was held at my boss' luxurious condo on the Upper West side facing Central Park. We love that apartment and would do anything to go back. It helps he is neighbors with Phil Collins. Some of us were looking for excuses to meet him such as the good ol' "ran out of sugar" trick. We behaved and didn't embarass our noss.

+Before Thanksgiving, Dave and I were struck with a virus of some sort. So did 5 of my coworkers who all went to the same party. There was fever, headaches, chills, nausea and some vomiting. Not a pretty picture. I was throwing up on my way home, into a bag, during rush hour. I did get off the train to do that so I don't freak people out. Highly not recommended. It took us two days to recover and we came back strong and healthy just in time for a Thanksgiving feast at Dave's grandma's in Jersey. I am not sure if I was recovered 100% because I passed on the turkey on turkey day! hmmm.

+We both went back to work on Friday and were so, so busy even though we thought it would be a dead day since everyone was out of town. And that's right, I did not go shopping on Black Friday. Sure, I purchased a body lotion and eyeliner from Sephora at work to take advantage of a 8% cashback from ebates but I didn't physically go to any stores at all! I applauded myself while Dave gave me a sarcastic gold medal for my effort. Update: I returned and repurchased the items using a $20 VIB gift card I received days later. yay!

+During the weekend, I accompanied Dave to do some shopping. Dave? Shopping? Incredible! But alas, it was not for himself but for the less fortunate kids in New York city who wrote to Santa with a wish list. Santa Dave! He purchased a scooter and helmet for a 10 year old boy and necklaces from Forever 21 for a 12 year old girl! I made a necklace for the girl using real gold plated stuff. I hope no one steals it from her at school :S

+For the past two weekends, we have been drinking. I am trying to build up my tolerance to alcohol because it is just so pitiful how fast I get tipsy. Ok, I don't really care because it saves money when I don't need much to get tipsy right? So, this past weekend, we decided to go to Pocha32 in Ktown popular for their watermelon soju bowl. The bowl is a godamn watermelon! It wasn't as strong as we thought and so we were able to finish the entire bowl and walk home without falling.

Pocha32 swatermelon soju

+We also tried out the new H&M runway in Times Square. Yay! My first time on a Times Square jumbotron!

Dave trying out the H&M runway in Times Square

+Philipino food was ingested on Sunday!

+ We also finally picked up our wedding reception video DVD! We didn't watch the whole thing. I like watching myself but Dave hates it so we have yet to sit down together and watch the whole thing. We got a couple of copies to share with our parents. Maybe they will enjoy it more. I want to extract the part where all our close friends got on the dance floor to do a backstreet boys routine we all learned together!

+We passed by an amazing yard sale across the street from our apartment. A theater was shutting down for the season and was selling all their props which included a lot of authentic antiques. Too bad our place is so small so we got what we could. We bought a marble egg (heehee), a small wooden drawer and three antique frames all for $7.

+ A longtime friend was visiting NY with her family and her 15 month year old daughter. We got to catch up a little. It's always good catching up with a friend especially when it is at the Union Square holiday market. A very popular holiday market worth checking out by the way but pricy (the rent is high!).

+And finally, on Monday, Dave and I took the day off so we can attend a taping of the Daily Show. It was soooo much fun! I'd love to go to the show every day if I could...only minus the waiting!

The Daily show!

There are other exciting things that has happened but I'll leave that for future posts when everything becomes a little bit more official!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

New on my cozy winter wishlist is this 100% wool cardigan by M.M. Lafleur, The Morandi. I'm a bit allergic to wool but I usually layer underneath my wool pieces and this piece seems so nicely threaded and non-fuzzy that I think my skin would be able to tolerate it. What I like about it is that it not only looks so practical and comfy, it is totally machine washable! I love a thick knitwear but they are so annoying to wash. You usually have to dry clean or risk deteriorating them but I have been hand washing my knits to save some dineros. I handwash most of my cashmere and wool garbs but it's annoying since they can get really heavy, wet and you have to dedicate an entire hanging rack for the sweater to lie flat on. The Morandi seems like the perfect wardrobe staple...so is everything from M.M. Lafleur actually!

Because this piece is priced at $230, I need to put it on my wishlist for now...